Former US President Donald Trump has proposed a new immigration program, the "Gold Card Visa," aimed at high-net-worth individuals willing to invest a substantial amount in exchange for permanent residency. This initiative seeks to replace the long-standing EB-5 investor visa, promising a faster and more direct pathway to US citizenship. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $5 million, raising concerns and discussions among foreign investors, particularly from India.

What is the Gold Card Visa?

The Gold Card Visa is designed as a premium alternative to the EB-5 visa, offering a direct path to US permanent residency for investors who can afford a $5 million investment. Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires applicants to create at least 10 jobs in the US, the Gold Card Visa has no job creation requirements, making it a straightforward purchase of legal residency.

Key Differences: Gold Card Visa vs. EB-5 Visa

Why Is Trump Introducing the Gold Card Visa?

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the Trump administration plans to phase out the EB-5 visa in favor of the Gold Card Visa within two weeks. Trump has suggested that this program could generate significant revenue for the US government, even hinting at selling up to 10 million Gold Cards to help reduce the national deficit. While some see this as an innovative way to attract wealthy investors, critics argue that it commercializes US residency without contributing to job growth.

Impact on Indian Nationals Waiting for Green Cards

For wealthy Indian investors, the Gold Card Visa presents a unique opportunity. The current EB-5 program has a substantial backlog, with applicants often waiting years for their green cards. In contrast, the Gold Card Visa offers immediate permanent residency for those who can afford the $5 million price. However, this high cost makes it an option only for India’s ultra-rich, leaving most Indian professionals on H-1B and EB-2/EB-3 visas in the same long queue for US residency.

Can Indians on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 Visas Apply?

Yes, Indian nationals currently in the US on H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas can apply for the Gold Card Visa—provided they meet the $5 million investment requirement. This visa offers a shortcut to permanent residency without the usual hurdles of job creation, employer sponsorship, or long waiting periods.

Alternative US Immigration Options for Indians

For those who may not afford the Gold Card Visa, other pathways to US residency remain viable:

• EB-5 Visa (if available before being replaced): Requires an $800,000 investment in targeted employment areas and job creation, with a 3-5 year wait for a green card.
• O-1 Visa: Designed for highly skilled professionals with extraordinary abilities in fields like tech, research, arts, and business. This can lead to an EB-1 green card, which currently has no backlog for Indians.
• L-1 Visa: Suitable for business owners and executives seeking to expand their companies in the US.
• H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 Pathway: The traditional skilled worker route remains an option, though it involves long wait times for green card approval.

Will the Gold Card Visa Replace the EB-5 Program?

If implemented, the Gold Card Visa will entirely replace the EB-5 investor visa program. This shift represents a major change in US immigration policy, moving away from job creation requirements toward a direct investment-for-residency model. While the new visa could attract substantial foreign capital, it also raises ethical and economic concerns about allowing wealth alone to dictate access to US citizenship.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s Gold Card Visa proposal is a bold move in US immigration policy, offering a lucrative yet controversial pathway to residency. While it could benefit high-net-worth investors seeking a fast track to citizenship, it remains out of reach for the vast majority of aspiring immigrants. Whether this policy will be enacted and how it will reshape US immigration remains to be seen.